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If you’re looking for a different way to camp for free overnight, Boondockers Welcome is something you may want to consider.
With over 3,700 locations across the USA and Canada, and more being added regularly, there’s sure to be a spot near where you’re looking to camp in your RV. And, unlike private campgrounds, Boondockers Welcome spots are free!
So, is becoming a member of Boondockers Welcome worth it? After all, it is a paid membership…
Read on for our Boondockers Welcome review to find out how this RV membership program works, an alternative option to Boondockers Welcome and how to determine if either RV camping program is worth it for you.
But first…
What is Boondockers Welcome?
Boondockers Welcome is a membership the connects RVers with hosts who offer free overnight RV camping in their driveways or on their property. It’s a great way for RVers with self-contained RVs to save money on camping fees!
What are the Requirements to Join Boondockers Welcome?
To join Boondockers Welcome, all you need is a self-contained RV and to pay the annual membership fee, which is currently $79. You can sign up for Boondockers Welcome. Use the discount code BWFRIENDS15 to get 15% off!
A Boondockers Welcome Membership: How Does it Work?
A Boondockers Welcome Membership allows you to stay overnight at participating host locations across the USA and Canada. Hosts provide a safe place to park your RV or camper for free.
Many Boondockers hosts offer partial hook-ups like water and electricity for a small nightly donation or fee. You always have the option to accept or decline any offers for additional amenities.
Hosts list their location, amenities, and contact information on their profile page on the Boondockers Welcome website site. Once you’re a member, you can search for hosts in the areas you’ll be traveling to and contact them to request a stay.
On their profile page is where they receive reviews written by other campers who have stayed at their location. Host locations are rated on a scale of one to five stars and members leave comments about their experience.
Reading these reviews is a great way to gain first-hand knowledge about an overnight RV spot before you request a stay. We found these Boondockers Welcome membership reviews to be particularly helpful. Especially when we had a hard time deciding between two or three different camping locations.
Benefits of Using a Boondockers Welcome Membership
Boondockers Welcome can be a great option to camp off the beaten, save money on RV accommodation costs by camping for free, and meet new RV friends.
Some of the other benefits of using a Boondockers Welcome membership include:
Access to a Nationwide Network of Hosts
As a member of Boondockers Welcome, you will have access to a network of over 3,000 hosts across North America that welcome RVers to stay overnight on their land for free. It’s a great way to save money when traveling in your RV.
A Sense of Community
As a member, you will be able to connect with other RVers who share your passion for boondocking. This can be a great way to make new friends and find travel companions.
Discounts on Products and Services
Members of Boondockers Welcome are eligible for discounts on products and services from some of the leading RV manufacturers and suppliers.
Downsides to Being a Boondockers Welcome Guest
There are a few downsides to being a Boondockers Welcome guest.
RV Hook-Ups are Not Guaranteed
Each host determines if and how they will provide hook-ups for your RV. Your Hosts’ profile should list if they offer any type of full or partial hook-ups and what fee they typically charge for their use.
Sometimes there’s nothing and sometimes your Host makes your dinner and offers to let you use their washer and dryer so you can get some laundry done.
Limited Freedom Camping for Free on Stranger’s Land
Another downside is that you are essentially camping on a strangers property. That is of course until you meet them!
That being said, you still have to be respectful the rules and guidelines provided by your host. You’ll need to be mindful of how much noise you are making and ensure you are not causing any damage to your Hosts’ property.
Privacy and Silence May Be Hard to Come by as a Boondockers Welcome Guest
Unlike traditional boondocking where you camp on public land to “get away from it all” you may find yourself sharing your camping space with other RV guests and your host.
>>INSIDER TIP: Would prefer a quiet place alone in the mountains or would be open to enjoying a bonfire with your host and their other guests? Before requesting a stay, check out a Hosts’ reviews left by other Boondockers Welcome members. Doing so will give you a better idea of what your RV camping experience might be to help you decide if that Host will provide the type of location you are looking for. We found this to be true for almost every host we stayed at.
However, if you are comfortable with the drawbacks of Boondockers Welcome, it’s a great way to save money and meet new people who enjoy RVing just as much as you do!
Boondockers Welcome Review of Free Camping
Boondockers Welcome is a great resource for finding free camping locations. The website has a searchable database of over 3,000 locations in North America. You can filter your search by location, travel route, amenities, and reviews, among others.
Hosts have profiles where they receive reviews written by other campers who have stayed at the location. They rate the location on a scale of one to five stars and leave comments about their experience. This is a great way to get first-hand information about a potential campsite.
Harvest Hosts: Alternative to Boondockers Welcome
If staying on a strangers land isn’t for you but you still want to camp for free, Harvest Hosts is another RV membership that offers free overnight camping in your RV.
With Harvest Hosts, you are camping on the property of small licensed businesses such as farms, wineries, golf courses, museums, etc. rather than the private property of someone you might not know.
There are a few other differences that might make one membership better for you than the other. Can’t decide, y
Check out our full comparison of Harvest Hosts and Boondockers Welcome to help you decide which membership is better for you. However, if you can’t decide which one to choose, you have the option to save even more by signing up for both memberships and having even more benefits.
Is Boondockers Welcome Worth It?
Boondockers Welcome is definitely worth it! For only $79 a year, you’ll get to camp for free in your RV at any of the thousands of participating locations throughout North America. You’ll also have some of the friendliest hosts you’ll ever hope to meet and have the opportunity to stay on gorgeous private lands and small farms.
It’s an incredible deal, and we highly recommend Boondockers Welcome to anyone who loves to travel but is looking for different ways to go camping in your RV.
Remember to use our link and enter the discount code BWFRIENDS15 when you sign up for a Boondockers Welcome membership. You’ll get a 15% discount on your yearly membership subscription when you enter the code. This means, you as our reader, will only pay about $67 instead of $79 that everyone else pays.
Have you tried Boondockers Welcome or Harvest Hosts? Which camping membership do you think is best for you? Let us know below!
